Sania writes apology letter for hurting religious sentiments

Published: Thursday, December 13, 2007, 21:10 [IST]

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Kolkata, Dec 13 (UNI) Tennis ace Sania Mirza today apologized to the Imam of Mecca Masjid for unintentionally hurting the religious sentiments of the people by shooting on the outer compound of the holy place.

Globosport India Private Limited, that manages Sania Mirza, clarified the circumstances relating to the shooting of the ad-film in Hyderabad.

A statement said that the commercial was meant to showcase the vibrancy and the cultural landscape of South India, through the Charminar. To obtain a clear shot of the Charminar, the ad-agency in charge of the shoot insisted that its client shoot at the courtyard of the Mecca Masjid.

'' Like all advertising commercials, the production house and the advertising agency expressed to us and our client that all permissions, including the consent of the Masjid authorities, were obtained.

Sania Mirza respects and honours religious beliefs and under no circumstances would perform any action that may hurt the sentiments of people. She would like to sincerely apologize for any unintentional action that has aggrieved the sentiments,'' the statement stated.

In a letter to the Imam of the Masjid she said '' it is with a deep sense of remorse that I would like to apologize to all my brothers and sisters and respected elders who have expressed anguish over my unwittingly entering a portion of the land belonging to the Mecca Masjid, while filming the Charminar with the intention of promoting the heritage monument which is symbolic of our city.

While I am fully aware that a woman must not enter the sanctity of the Mosque, I was unaware that even entering the outside gates was seriously objectionable, especially without permission, which I was assured by the agency they possessed. However, I would like to unequivocally render my apology to all my brothers and sisters for hurting their sentiments.'' In the meantime, a case was today filed against her for shooting at the Mecca Masjid yesterday.